Jurickson Profar

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #1 prospect in 2013
  Profar served as the bellwether for the Rangers' renewed emphasis and success in Latin America. As an amateur in Curacao, he garnered attention more as a pitcher with low-90s heat and feel for a breaking ball, but Texas acquiesced to his desire to play shortstop after signing him for $1.55 million in 2009. Neither party has any regrets. No prospect this side of Mike Trout has a better minor league résumé than Profar. He ranked as the top prospect in the short-season Northwest League in his 2010 pro debut, then for an encore won MVP honors in the low Class A South Atlantic League in 2011. He earned a promotion to Double-A Frisco for 2012, skipping over high Class A entirely, and ranked as not only the Texas League's youngest player (19) but also its No. 1 prospect. Profar's body of work in the Futures Game includes a triple against the Twins' Kyle Gibson in 2011 and a solo homer off the Royals' Jake Odorizzi in 2012. To paraphrase one Rangers instructor, Profar may not have the most power, the most speed or the strongest arm on the field, but typically he's the best player out there. A natural righthanded hitter, he learned to switch-hit after signing and now shows uncommon bat speed from both sides of the plate, lending him more power than his lean 6-foot frame suggests. Profar surprises some opponents with his pop--which is above-average for a middle infielder--but he may have to tone down his swing to maximize his overall production. He takes a disciplined approach to hitting, with strong knowledge of the strike zone that ought to make him a consistent .300 hitter in his prime. An above-average defender at shortstop, Profar has instincts that outstrip his plus range. His hands and arm are above-average as well. Some of his throws to first base tend to sail when he gets on the side of the ball, but that's just a matter of adjustment. He has solid speed and knows how to use it on the bases, stealing 16 bases in 20 tries in 2012. Observers rave about Profar's mental toughness, leadership skills and grace under pressure. When he signed, Profar told the Rangers he would reach the big leagues by the time he was 20. He actually completed his journey five months ahead of schedule last September. He played sporadically down the stretch but made the Rangers' playoff roster for their Wild Card Game against the Orioles. Even if he begins the 2013 season in Triple-A, Profar's talent probably will win out and result in a promotion to Texas during the season. He likely will move to second base in deference to Elvis Andrus, pushing Ian Kinsler to the outfield. Few prospects represent a safer bet to develop into a first-division regular and all-star than Profar.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #1 prospect in 2012
  Signed for a then-franchise international record $1.55 million out of Curacao in 2009, Profar headlines the Rangers' deep crop of Latin American talent. He has been on the prospect radar since he was 11 and starred on the 2004 Little League World Series championship team from Curacao. He tossed six shutout innings while allowing one hit and striking out 12 against Mexico in the international finals, then went 2-for-3 with a homer in a 5-2 defeat of California in the championship contest. The following year, he led Curacao to a runner-up finish at the LLWS, again tossing six scoreless innings in the international final, this time against Japan. Profar attracted more interest as an amateur as a pitcher than a position player, as he showed a low 90s fastball and above-average breaking ball. Texas believed he could play shortstop and would have enough bat for the position, and now it's reaping the benefits. In 2011, Profar was named the low Class A South Atlantic League's MVP and smoked a pinch-hit triple off Twins farmhand Kyle Gibson in the Futures Game. At age 18, he was the youngest player in both settings. Still young and skinny, Profar offers a rare combination of present five-tool ability and additional projection. A natural righthanded hitter, he didn't start switch-hitting until after he signed, but he has a smooth swing and great bat speed from both sides. His swing has more leverage and loft from the right side, and scouts are split on his future power projection. Some see only gap power while others predict 20-plus homers annually once he fills out. He's the best pure hitter in the system and has exceptional strike-zone awareness for his age. Profar has average speed that plays up on the bases and in the field because of his elite instincts. He's electrifying defensively, with plus range and arm strength to go along with soft hands and a quick release. Sometimes he plays a little fast in the field and is overly aggressive, but that should be cured with experience. He's intelligent, mature for his age, has great aptitude and speaks four languages (Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento, a Portuguese-based creole). One scout compared him to Hanley Ramirez with Dustin Pedroia's makeup. He wants to reach the big leagues as quickly as his hero, Elvis Andrus, who debuted in Texas four months shy of his 21st birthday. That would Profar in the majors at the end of the 2013 season, which is ambitious but not impossible. He'll open 2012 at high Class A Myrtle Beach at age 19. With Andrus entrenched at shortstop, Profar probably won't break in with the Rangers at that position. Some club officials expected him to eventually wind up at third, but that won't happen either with Adrian Beltre signed through at least 2015. He could slide over to second base and push Ian Kinsler to another position, but Texas won't force a move before it's necessary. Profar has all the ingredients to be a future superstar no matter where he plays.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #2 prospect in 2011
  Profar led Curacao to the 2004 Little League World Series championship and attracted plenty of interest on the international market as a pitcher. The Rangers raised some eyebrows when they signed him as a shortstop for $1.55 million, a franchise record for an international signee, but he ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the short-season Northwest League as a 17-year-old last summer. Still young and skinny, Profar projects as a true five-tool talent once he matures physically. A natural righthanded hitter, he has a nice linedrive stroke from both sides of the plate, though he fell off from the left side as he wore down late in 2010. He likes pitches on the outer half and tends to cut off his swing a bit, so he'll need to learn to pull the ball with more authority. He controls the strike zone well for his age, and should become a plus hitter with average power. Profar's instincts make his average speed play up on the bases and help him get friendly hops at short. His range, quickness, soft hands and strong hands give him a chance to be a plus defender at shortstop. As with his hero, Elvis Andrus, Profar's makeup sets him apart. Profar wants to get to the big leagues as quickly as Andrus did. While that's unlikely, he's moving quickly and will play at low Class A Hickory at age 18.
• 
  Ranked Texas Rangers #5 prospect in 2010
  Profar made a name for himself in the Little League World Series, leading Curacao to the championship as an 11-year-old and back to the title game as a 12-year-old. With a fastball that touches 93 mph, he generated plenty of interest on the international market as a pitcher last summer, but Texas was the only organization that would accede to his wishes to be an everyday player. They signed him right after July 2 for $1.55 million, a franchise record for an international signee. Profar dazzled the Rangers with his savvy and presence during instructional league and at their Dominican academy later in the fall. His advanced instincts, keen field awareness, dogged work ethic and outgoing personality remind them of Elvis Andrus--whom Profar idolizes. He has a chance to be a plus defender at shortstop thanks to his sure hands, plus arm and average range. He also has a knack for putting the barrel on the ball from both sides of the plate, and his offensive approach is advanced for a 16-year-old. His average speed plays up on the basepaths because of his intelligence. More than anything, Profar just needs experience. As he fills out, he could develop fringe to solid-average power, but he needs to add strength to his thin, wiry frame. Many international scouts with other clubs aren't sold that he'll hit enough or stick at shortstop. The Rangers vehemently disagree. The precocious Profar could follow in Andrus' footsteps and start his first full pro season at low Class A Hickory as a 17-year-old.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #2 prospect in 2013
  Profar entered the season as baseball?s No. 1 prospect, and scouts and managers in the PCL thought he took something of step backward. However, he played solid if not spectacular defense at shortstop as the youngest everyday player at the level while holding his own at the plate. He has undeniable athleticism, giving the Rangers the confidence to use him in a utility role, even trying him in the unfamiliar outfield in the major leagues. ?He?s very versatile on defense and he has a good arm,? Round Rock manager Bobby Jones said. He exhibited a keen eye and controlled the strike zone well. His power is expected to continue to blossom with age and experience. He can turn on a fastball and go the other way with breaking pitches. ?He?s done all that?s been asked of him,? Round Rock hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh said. ?He shows some power. He goes gap to gap. He gets on base. He does everything pretty well and continues to want to improve.?
• 
  Ranked Texas League #1 prospect in 2012
  Even in a loaded league, Profar's all-around ability stood out. A 19-year-old jumping who skipped high Class A, he adjusted quickly and took off on a 29-game hitting streak that lasted from April into May. He made his major league debut in September and homered in his first at-bat. A switch-hitter who should hit .300 with plus power for his position, Profar has great bat speed and a solid approach at the plate. He's an above-average defender with good range and a strong arm, though he tends to sling the ball and lose accuracy on his throws. He's an above-average runner as well. "He's very confident because he can do everything on a baseball field," San Antonio manager John Gibbons said. "But he's also intelligent and plays the game the right way."
• 
  Ranked South Atlantic League #3 prospect in 2011
  The league's youngest player was also its best. Profar was named league MVP after he finished eighth in the league in OPS (.883) as an 18-year-old shortstop, rated as the SAL's best defender at his position and led Hickory to the best regular-season record. He also stroked an electrifying triple in the Futures Game. Though Profar didn't start switch-hitting until he signed, his bat path from both sides of the plate is remarkably smooth and provides solid pop. His average speed plays up on the bases and at shortstop, where he has excellent range and arm strength. He can be too aggressive on some plays, but he'll cure that with his intelligence and more experience. "The maturity level is what I'm pleased about," Richardson said. "He's calmed down quite a bit. There's nothing on the baseball field that he feels he can't do, but he has come to the realization that there are a few things that he need not attempt because they lead to other problems. He's learned the strengths of his game a little bit more."
• 
  Ranked Northwest League #1 prospect in 2010
  This summer in Spokane was Profar's first exposure to professional baseball. But it wasn't his first time playing in front of large crowds. He was on the Curacao team that made it to the final game of the 2005 Little League World Series. If Profar grew up in the United States, he'd be spending the summer on the showcase circuit, preparing for his senior year of high school. Instead, he signed in 2009 for $1.55 million and held his own this summer as a 17-year-old in a league where most players were four to five years older. Profar is electrifying defensively. He has great range, soft and quick hands and above-average arm strength. He's average to a tick above in terms of raw speed, and he goes from first to third or second to home very well. A switch-hitter, Profar is a little better from the left side but has nice swings from both sides of the plate. With good balance and above-average bat speed, he projects as an average hitter with mostly gap power. He tied for second in the NWL with 19 doubles. Profar has outstanding makeup, too. He's very mature for his age, speaks four languages (Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento, a Portugese-based creole) and loves playing the game.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #1 prospect in 2013
• Ranked Baseball America's #7 prospect in 2012
• Ranked Baseball America's #74 prospect in 2011

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Profar served as the bellwether for the Rangers' renewed emphasis and success in Latin America. As an amateur in Curacao, he garnered attention more as a pitcher with low-90s heat and feel for a breaking ball, starring on a team that won the 2004 Little League World Series. Texas acquiesced to his desire to play shortstop after signing him for $1.55 million in 2009, and neither party has any regrets. No prospect this side of Mike Trout has a better minor leaguer resume than Profar. He ranked as the top prospect in the short-season Northwest League in his 2010 pro debut, then for an encore won MVP honors in the low Class A South Atlantic League in 2011 after posting an .883 OPS at age 18. He earned a promotion to Double-A Frisco for 2012, skipping over high Class A entirely, and ranked as not only the Texas League's youngest player (19) but also its No. 1 prospect (ahead of, among others, BA Minor League Player of the Year Wil Myers). Profar's body of work in the Futures Game includes a triple against the Twins' Kyle Gibson in 2011 and a solo homer off the Royals' Jake Odorizzi in 2012. Scouting Report: To paraphrase one Rangers instructor, Profar may not have the most power, the most speed or the strongest arm on the field, but typically he's the best player out there. A natural righthanded hitter, he learned to switch-hit after signing and now shows uncommon bat speed from both sides of the plate, lending him more power than his lean 6-foot frame suggests. Profar surprises some opponents with his popówhich is above-average for a middle infielderóbut he may have to tone down his swing to maximize his overall production. He takes a disciplined approach to hitting, with strong knowledge of the strike zone that ought to make him a consistent .300 hitter in his prime. An above-average defender at shortstop, Profar has instincts that outstrip his plus range. His hands and arm are above-average as well. Some of his throws to first base tend to sail when he gets on the side of the ball, but that's just a matter of adjustment. He has solid speed and knows how to use it on the bases, stealing 16 bases in 20 tries in 2012. Observers rave about Profar's mental toughness, leadership skills and grace under pressure. "He's all about winning and getting better," one club official said. As his body matures, he ought to hold up better under the rigors of the long season. The Future: When he signed, Profar told the Rangers he would reach the big leagues by the time he was 20. He actually completed his journey five months ahead of schedule last September and became the second-youngest player in major league history to homer in his first at-bat. He played sporadically down the stretch but made the Rangers' playoff roster for their wild-card game against the Orioles. Even if he begins the 2013 season in Triple-A Round Rock, Profar's talent probably will win out and result in a promotion to Texas during the season. He likely will move to second base in deference to Elvis Andrus, pushing Ian Kinsler to the outfield. Few prospects represent a safer bet to develop into a first-division regular and future all-star than Profar.
• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: Signed for a then-franchise international record $1.55 million out of Curacao in 2009, Profar has been on the prospect radar since he was 11 and starred on the 2004 Little League World Series championship team from Curacao. In his first taste of full-season ball in 2011, he won MVP honors in the low Class A South Atlantic League at age 18.Scouting Report: Profar offers a rare combination of present five-tool ability and additional projection. A natural righthanded hitter, he didn't start switch-hitting until after he signed, but he has a smooth swing and great bat speed from both sides. His swing has more leverage and loft from the right side, and some scouts see only gap power while others predict 20-plus homers annually once he fills out. He's a pure hitter with exceptional strike-zone awareness for his age. Profar has average speed that plays up on the bases and in the field because of his elite instincts. He's electrifying defensively, with plus range and arm strength to go along with soft hands and a quick release. The Future: One scout compared him to Hanley Ramirez with Dustin Pedroia's makeup. Profar will open 2012 at high Class A Myrtle Beach at age 19. With Elvis Andrus entrenched at shortstop in Texas, Profar probably won't break in with the Rangers at that position, but he has all the ingredients to be a future superstar no matter where he plays.